Washing device

ABSTRACT

A washing device for open ended containers such as tubs and drums which are generally used for inks, coatings and the like, is disclosed. The device comprises a rotating impact type sprinkler which applies solvent or cleaning fluid to the inside of the container while the container is supported in an inverted position.

United States Patent 11 1 Buedingen .1 July 24, 1973 WASHING DEVICE 1,943,775 1 1934 Taylor 134/109 ux r r 2,922,173 1 1960 L' d t l... 134109 X [75] R0118"Bledmgensemmom 1313- 1,587,386 6/1926 134/166 R 73 A i lnmom Col-pantie, New York, 3,072,129 1/1963 Seal 134/176 X 2,702,557 2/1955 wlskerchen 134/166 R X [22] Filed: Primary Examiner-Robert L. Bleutge [21] Appl. No; 192,105 Attorney-F. W. \Vyman et al.

[52] U.S. Cl. 134/109, 134/168 R [57] ABSTRACT {51] Int. Cl B0811 3/02 [58] Field 61 Search 134/109 152, 166 R A washmg ended such as 134/167 R 68 R 169 tubs and drums which are generally used for inks, coatings and the like, is disclosed. The device comprises a [56] References Cited rotating impact type sprinkler which applies solvent or cleaning fluid to the inside of the container while the UNITED STATES PATENTS container is supported in an inverted position. 1,507,151 9/1924 Bennett et al 134/168 R X 3,122,151 2/1964 Chambers 134/170 X 8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Patented July 24, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented July 24, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 24, 1973 3,747,614

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 WASHING DEVICE The present invention relates to washing devices and particularly to a device especially adapted to wash open ended containers such as tubs and drums which are generally used for inks, coatings, and the like.

In the manufacture and use of inks, coatings, and the like it is often desirable to clean recently emptied containers, which generally are of one to 80 gallons capacity, but not limited to the latter size, rapidly and immediately; without having to send the container to an outside commercial cleaner. The containers can be scrubbed by hand with appropriate solvents but this is a tedious, sloppy, and time consuming operation. Also, if the washing liquid should be toxic, or a skin irritant, the operation becomes a health hazard to the person performing it. It is the major aim of the present invention to provide a washing device for cleaning of dirty ink and other containers, which is very efficient and does not endanger the health of the operator of the apparatus. Additionally, if the hand washing liquid used is flammable, the use of the novel apparatus greatly diminishes the fire risk.

The manufacture of inks and coatings is a multi-step operation; in the manufacture of ink, for instance, the unfinished inks may be mixed and stored in containers, referred to in the trade as tubs, at various stages in the manufacturing process. In the detailed description of the invention which follows hereinafter, the description of the invention will be limited to use of the invention as it applies to tubs, or ink tubs; however, it is to be understood that the invention applies to the washing of open ended containers in general.

Various features and details of the invention will become apparent after consideration of a detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of applicants tub washer showing the components of the washer.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the washer taken on the plane 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a section view taken on the plane 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the impeller sprinkler head.

Referring to the drawings, the number designates a vat, which may be of any convenient depth, having tub supporting fins ll fastened to the bottom of the vat and radiating from its center. Tub supporting fins 11 are provided with slots 12 to facilitate drainage of the vat. A pipe 13 of suitable diameter is mounted in substantially the center of the vat and connects washing liquid supply line 14 with the impact type irrigation sprinkler 15. The sprinkler preferably is a Model S750 Type sold by the Skinner Irrigation Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, and comprises a main sprinkler arm shown with extension 16 and elbow and shorter arm 17, both of which are integrally mounted and rotate together on the inlet liquid feed pipe l3'of sprinkler 15. Also, mounted on body of sprinkler head is oscillating arm 19 having attached near its end a deflector 20 which is pivotally mounted on pin 21. Spring 22 on oscillating arm 19 is used to vary the speed of rotation of sprinkler arms 16 and 17. To control the frequency of the impact from the oscillating arm the spring 22 is easily and simply adjusted. Rotation of the sprinkler arms is affected by the force of the liquid striking deflector 20. The tension on spring 22 controls the speed and frequency with which arm 17 returns to starting position with protu berance 23 again in contact with the oscillating arm. Advantageously main arm 16 comprises an extension pipe which connects through a elbow with main sprinkler nozzle 24. If desired to give a different cleaning action, sprinkler nozzle 24 may be tilted in different directions. In operation, the cleaning liquid, under pressure of 20 to 60 pounds per square inch, issuing from arm 17 through nozzle 25 strikes deflector 20 which causes oscillator arm 19 to strike protuberance 23 on arm 17 and thus causes assembly of arms 16 and 17 to rotate; tension on spring 22 then causes oscillating arm 16 to return to starting position.

The cleaning liquid, under pressure, issues from nozzles 24 and 2S and contacts the inner surfaces of the container or tub which has been placed in an inverted position over sprinkler 15 causing such surfaces to be cleaned. Cleaning solution then drains into vat l0.

Slots l2 allow drainage of the used cleaning liquid to outlet 26 which may consist of a pipe 27, illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 1, which extends above the bottom of vat 10. This embodiment of the invention permits solids to partially settle from the used washing liquid before theliquid drains from the vat into the reservoir drums. Also, if outlet pipe 27 is above the upper edge of fins 11, the level of liquid in collecting vat 10 will be maintained high enough to form a seal against misting of sprayed liquid under the rim of the inverted tub when it is being cleaned.

Outlet 26 from collecting vat ltllmay connect into a waste disposal system but preferably it connects with a cleaning liquid recovery system and the cleaning liquid is recirculated to the washer. The recovery system may consist of one or more metal drums, e.g. a 55 gallon drum, to allow sludge to. settle. Supernatant cleaning liquid is removed from the drum or drums and stored or recycled to the washer.

Adequate pressure to operate the tub washer using a inch inside diameter feed line and the Skinner Model S750 sprinkler, is supplied by bronze rotary gear pump capable of supplying up to 20 gallons per minute under pressure of 20 to 60 pounds per square inch, driven by suitable electric motor. When flammable cleaning 1iquids are used it is important that the electric motor be explosion proof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the used cleaning liquid from vat 10 is recycled into a recovery system consisting of two interconnecting steel drums with used cleaning liquid entering a 55 gallon drum about midway between the top and the bottom and flowing by gravity into a second 30 gallon drum from a point near the top of the first drum to a point near the top of the second drum.

What is claimed is:

l. A tub washing device comprising:

a. a rotating impact type sprinkler in substantially an upright position having a connection to a supply of washing liquid,

b. supporting means surrounding the sprinkler for supporting a tub in inverted position over the sprinkler,

c. a collecting means under said sprinkler and supporting means for collecting said washing liquid as it drains from said tub,

d. a means for supplying said washing liquid to said sprinkler under a pressure of 20 to 60 pounds per square inch and,

e. wherein the supporting means and the collecting means consist of a vat having a diameter larger than the diameter of the largest tub to be cleaned, said vat having a plurality of tub supporting fins, slotted for drainage, radiating from its center, said fins being adapted to engage the rim of the inverted tub that is to be washed.

2. A tub washing device as in claim 1 which includes means for recycling the washing liquid from the collecting means to the sprinkler.

3. A tub washing device as in claim 2 wherein at least part of the solids in the used washing liquid are separated from the liquid before the liquid is returned to the sprinkler.

4. A tub washing device as in claim 3 wherein solids in the used washing liquid are separated by allowing them to settle out in large reservoirs prior to returning the washing liquid to the sprinkler.

5. A tub washing device as in claim 1 wherein said vat has an outlet for return of said washing liquid to the means for supplying washing liquid to the sprinkler.

6. A tub washing device as in claim 5 wherein the outlet in the vat is above the upper level of the tub supporting fins.

7. A tub washing device as in claim 5 wherein the vat is deep enough to allow appreciable amounts of solids to settle from the washing liquid before the washing liquid is returned to the washing liquid supplying means.

8. A tub washing device as in claim 1 wherein the vat is circular. 

1. A tub washing device comprising: a. a rotating impact type sprinkler in substantially an upright position having a connection to a supply of washing liquid, b. supporting means surrounding the sprinkler for supporting a tub in inverted position over the sprinkler, c. a collecting means under said sprinkler and supporting means for collecting said washing liquid as it drains from said tub, d. a means for supplying said washing liquid to said sprinkler under a pressure of 20 to 60 pounds per square inch and, e. wherein the supporting means and the collecting means consist of a vat having a diameter larger than the diameter of the largest tub to be cleaned, said vat having a plurality of tub supporting fins, slotted for drainage, radiating from its center, saiD fins being adapted to engage the rim of the inverted tub that is to be washed.
 2. A tub washing device as in claim 1 which includes means for recycling the washing liquid from the collecting means to the sprinkler.
 3. A tub washing device as in claim 2 wherein at least part of the solids in the used washing liquid are separated from the liquid before the liquid is returned to the sprinkler.
 4. A tub washing device as in claim 3 wherein solids in the used washing liquid are separated by allowing them to settle out in large reservoirs prior to returning the washing liquid to the sprinkler.
 5. A tub washing device as in claim 1 wherein said vat has an outlet for return of said washing liquid to the means for supplying washing liquid to the sprinkler.
 6. A tub washing device as in claim 5 wherein the outlet in the vat is above the upper level of the tub supporting fins.
 7. A tub washing device as in claim 5 wherein the vat is deep enough to allow appreciable amounts of solids to settle from the washing liquid before the washing liquid is returned to the washing liquid supplying means.
 8. A tub washing device as in claim 1 wherein the vat is circular. 